Insurance Blog

You’ve Been Hacked Online. Now What? An Insurance Guide

Perhaps your computer is suddenly running painfully slow. Strange pop-ups keep appearing. You get an alert that someone logged into your email from a device you don’t recognize. Or you notice a purchase on your credit card that you know you didn’t make.

Whatever tipped you off, you’re probably wondering the same thing: What do I do now?

First, don’t assume the worst. A glitchy computer doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve been hacked, and an unfamiliar charge doesn’t always mean someone stole your identity. But when something doesn’t look right, it’s worth investigating.

Here are a few places to start.

If your computer is acting suspiciously

A slow or misbehaving computer is not always an indication of getting hacked. But unexpected pop-ups, unfamiliar programs, browser redirects and other unusual behaviors can also be signs of malware.

Make sure your operating system and security software are up to date and use trusted security software to scan the device for threats. Be wary of pop-ups that claim your computer has a virus and tell you to call a phone number or download a program. Those warnings themselves can be scams.

If you’re not sure what’s happening, consider getting help from a reputable computer repair or technology professional.

If one of your accounts was hacked

If someone has gained access to an online account, change the password as soon as you can. And if you’ve used the same password on other accounts, change those as well, as recycled passwords are more likely to be compromised.

This is also a good time to turn on multifactor authentication, which is also called MFA or two-factor authentication. It adds another step to the login process, making it harder for someone to access your account with a stolen password alone.

While you’re doing that, review the account for anything unusual. Depending on the account, that might include unfamiliar logins, messages you didn’t send or changes to your contact and recovery information.

If you notice suspicious financial activity

See a purchase or withdrawal you don’t recognize? Contact your bank, credit card company or other financial institution using a trusted phone number or its official website or app.

It’s also a good idea to review your other financial accounts for activity you don’t recognize. Staying in the habit of checking your accounts regularly can help you spot potential problems sooner.

If your personal information was exposed

If sensitive information such as your Social Security number has been exposed, you may want to consider freezing your credit.

A credit freeze restricts access to your credit file, which can make it more difficult for someone to open a new credit account in your name. Freezing your credit is free and doesn’t affect your credit score. You’ll need to contact each of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—to place a freeze.

For additional guidance after identity theft or the exposure of personal information, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov.

If you were notified about a data breach

Receiving a data breach notice doesn’t necessarily mean someone has used your information. But don’t ignore it.

Read the notice carefully to find out what information was involved and what steps the organization recommends. Depending on the situation, you may be offered services such as credit or identity monitoring.

And be cautious about unexpected emails or texts related to the breach. Rather than clicking a link in a message, consider going directly to the organization’s official website to learn more.

A little preparation goes a long way

You can’t prevent every cyber incident, but a few good habits can make you a harder target.

Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts. Turn on multifactor authentication when it’s available.

Keep your devices and software updated.

Check your financial accounts regularly.

And think twice before clicking unexpected links or providing personal information online.

Most importantly, pay attention when something doesn’t look right. Whether it’s a strange pop-up, an unfamiliar login or a charge you don’t recognize, catching a potential problem early gives you a chance to do something about it.

Don’t forget about your insurance

You might not immediately think to check your insurance after an online incident or identity theft. But depending on your policy, you may have access to certain coverages or services that can help.

ERIE offers Identity Theft Recovery coverage, which can help you restore your credit in the event of identity theft or fraud. For an annual fee, you’ll get help from a dedicated case manager who’ll walk you through the process step-by-step.

In addition, certain ErieSecure Home® policies, offered as part of the Select bundle, offer Personal Cyber Event coverage, which includes identity and recovery protections and additional coverages.

Review your homeowners or renters policy and talk with your insurance agent about what protection may be available. It’s a conversation worth having before you ever need to use it.

Posted on 15 October 2026 | 5:00 pm

7 Ways to Spot and Avoid Phishing Scams Targeting Your Business

Gone are the days when phishing attempts were easy to identify or limited to email. Malicious messages are becoming more sophisticated and harder to distinguish from legitimate business communications. And they can reach you through email, text messages, social media chats and even phone calls.

A single click, download or response to one of these messages can create a problem that quickly spreads across accounts, devices and digital channels. The good news: There are steps you can take to help protect your business.

Vice President & Corporate Information Security Officer Jamie Neumaier knows a lot about tackling security threats. Jamie manages an information security team that works to help keep Erie Insurance people and systems as safe as possible. He answered some common questions about phishing scams targeting businesses and shared practical tips for reducing your risk.

What is phishing?

Phishing is a malicious activity in which criminals try to gain access to a person’s information, accounts, data or devices. The goal is often to get you to act quickly, before you have time to question whether a message is legitimate.

If you take the bait, phishers may be able to:

Gain access to data or information they can exploit.

Install malware on your device or system.

Trick you into revealing financial or personal information that can be used to steal money or your identity.

Access your email account and send malicious messages to your contacts.

Are businesses especially vulnerable to phishing scams?

Yes. With so much business conducted digitally, companies of all sizes can be targets.

Attackers may assume that smaller businesses have fewer security resources or safeguards in place, making them potentially easier targets. They can also find business contact information online and count on employees being responsive to customers, vendors and other business contacts.

Phishing messages have also become more convincing. A malicious email may look like a legitimate message from a vendor or colleague and direct you to a fake website or infected file.

Phone-based scams can be just as persuasive. A threat actor may call and provide detailed instructions designed to convince you to share valuable information, provide access to an account or install malicious software.

How do you spot a phishing attack?

Some phishing messages are easy to recognize. They may be poorly written, promise large amounts of money or ask for financial assistance. Most people know to avoid opening, clicking or responding to messages like these.

But phishing attempts are no longer limited to obvious spam or even to email. Attackers may call your mobile phone or send text messages in an effort to get you to reveal sensitive information.

More sophisticated phishing messages are designed to look like communications you receive every day. They may appear to come from someone you trust, such as a bank, friend, software provider, retailer or vendor. One warning sign is that the message arrives unexpectedly or asks you to do something you weren’t anticipating.

For example, an attacker may first gain access to someone’s email account through a phishing attempt. From there, the attacker can reply to an existing email conversation and insert a malicious link or attachment.

To the recipient, the message appears to be part of a legitimate conversation. But instead of continuing the discussion, it may ask the recipient to download a document, sign in to an account or enter login credentials.

How can phishing attacks be prevented?

Start by staying aware of what you, your employees, customers and vendors are currently working on.

If you receive an unexpected message, phone call or email, or something simply seems a little off, verify it before taking action. Contact the person or company through a phone number or communication method you already know and trust. Ask whether they actually sent the message or made the request.

Taking a few extra moments to verify a request can prevent a much larger problem.

Other Things You Can Do:

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Use MFA on as many accounts as possible, especially email. If you do fall for a phishing attempt, this additional layer of protection can make it more difficult for an attacker to take over your account.

Keep your software and devices up to date. Updates to operating systems, Microsoft Office products, third-party applications and smartphones often include security patches that address known vulnerabilities.

Hover your cursor over a link in an email to show the URL. If it looks suspicious, don’t click on it.

Use endpoint protection software. Security software can help protect computers and other devices from malware and other threats. Options are available from well-known security providers, and Microsoft also offers built-in security tools for Windows and other applications.

Back up your data. Reliable backups can help you get back to business more quickly after an attack. Test your backup process periodically to make sure it works as expected.

Educate your employees. Train employees on good cybersecurity practices, including how to identify phishing attempts and spam messages.

Pay attention to unexpected attachments. Be cautious with files you weren’t expecting, especially if the file type, name or message surrounding it seems unusual. When in doubt, verify the attachment with the sender before opening it.

What if a customer receives a suspicious message from your business?

If your business is affected by an attack, you may not know immediately. In some cases, the first warning sign may be a customer contacting you about an unexpected message that appears to have come from your company.

If a customer asks whether a message is legitimate, first confirm whether your business actually sent it. Then encourage the customer to consider the same questions you would ask within your own business:

Were they expecting the email or message?

Does the link lead to a legitimate and expected website?

Does the message ask them to open a document they weren’t expecting?

Does it pressure them to provide a user ID, password or other sensitive information?

Does the message create a sense of urgency or threaten to disable access unless they act immediately?

These questions can help you and your customer determine whether a message deserves more scrutiny.

Stay alert as phishing tactics change

Phishing continues to evolve as attackers adopt new techniques and communication channels. That makes it important to have a strong security plan and stay alert to emerging threats.

A well-trained team can also be one of your best defenses. When employees know how to recognize suspicious messages, they are more likely to stop, verify and respond appropriately instead of taking a quick action that could put the business at risk.

The right protection for your business

Contact a trusted insurance advisor like an ERIE agent to learn about some of the smart and affordable ways to protect your business.

For instance, Cyber Suite from ERIE ^[1] can help you overcome an incident in which your customers’ or employees’ nonpublic, personal information is compromised and you have to notify them of the breach. It may be purchased and added to a business insurance policy.

Posted on 11 October 2026 | 5:00 pm

5 Ways for Business Owners to Make the Most of Small Business Saturday

With the holiday season right around the corner, shoppers are making lists, planning their stops and looking for the best deals in town.

For business owners, the to-do list looks a little different: advertising plans, sale signs, holiday events and plenty of preparation for the busy season ahead. At the heart of it all is meeting your customers’ needs, whether that means helping someone find the perfect gift, filling your tables with hungry patrons or playing Santa’s helper.

That’s where Small Business Saturday® comes in. The annual event encourages shoppers to support local businesses by, you guessed it, shopping local.

Ideas for Making the Most of Small Business Saturday

From a regular Small Business Saturday® participant, here are 5 ways to make the most of it and appeal to customers.

Give people a reason to stop by. A limited-time bundle, small freebie, special service or in-store experience can feel more memorable than a blanket discount.
Make your local connection visible. Remind customers who they’re supporting. Share your story, spotlight your employees, feature local suppliers, or explain what shopping with you helps make possible in the community.
Promote early, not just on Saturday. Start communicating several days ahead through social, email, your website, signage, and any community calendars. Be very clear about your hours, location, offer, and what customers can expect.
Think beyond just one day. Have a simple way to stay connected, such as an email signup, loyalty program, bounce-back offer, or invitation to follow your social channels. The bigger opportunity is what happens after the weekend.
Check-in with your local insurance agent. Small Business Saturday has the potential to be a busy – and profitable – day for you. Think about a quick chat with your local Erie Insurance agent before the busy shopping season to make sure you’re covered for whatever comes your way.

Protect Your Business Year-Round

While these tips are all about capitalizing on Small Business Saturday, they don’t expire when the clock strikes midnight, much like the advice and support your ERIE agent provides. Make sure your business insurance needs are met by talking to your agent today.

Posted on 5 October 2026 | 5:00 pm

Am I Covered When I Lend My Car to Friends or Family?

If you own a car, chances are you’ve let a friend or family member borrow it at one time or another.

But did you know that in the event of an accident it’s your auto insurance policy that typically would have to pay?

“One of the biggest misconceptions about loaning out your vehicle is that if you let someone who’s not on your policy borrow your car, an accident should go on their insurance because they were the one driving,” explains Bob Buckel, vice president of Auto Product at Erie Insurance. “But in private passenger auto insurance, the coverage typically follows the vehicle, not the driver.”

Let’s break it down.

Does my car insurance cover other drivers?

If someone else is regularly driving your car, it’s important to let your agent know. If you’re an ERIE customer, insured drivers include:

Resident relatives: Most ERIE personal auto policies provide coverage to the named insured, their spouse and any other resident relatives. So, if someone is a member of your family, lives in your home and is listed as such on your policy, they’re automatically an insured under your policy unless the person has been specifically excluded on your policy.
Domestic partners: If someone lives with you but isn’t a relative, they are not named insureds under your policy. However, if you’re living with a domestic partner, they can be added to your policy as a named insured but only if your relationship is the long-term, committed type – you share domestic responsibilities and have joint financial obligations. All you have to do is call your agent and let them know. They’ll send out a short driver questionnaire and check your partner’s driving record to determine eligibility.
Someone with permissive use: If you loaned out your car to a friend or neighbor, your ERIE policy generally will cover them – as long as you gave your permission. If they are a regular and repeated user of the car, they should also have coverage. The only exception is if a driver has been specifically excluded on your policy.

A quick note on exclusions: Depending on the state you live in, you may or may not be able to exclude a driver from your policy. Other states may allow you to exclude a driver, but with certain restrictions. Your local ERIE agent can explain how things work in your state.

Chances are, anyone you let borrow your car will fall into one of these three categories. But just because someone is covered doesn’t mean loaning your car is risk-free.

Loaning your car: consider the pros and cons

Here’s the good news: If the driver falls into one of the three categories above, and the loss is covered under the terms of your policy, your insurance can help– even if you weren’t the one driving.

But here’s the tricky part: Depending on the situation – and the specifics of your policy – you might get stuck paying a surcharge on your auto insurance premium, even if you weren’t the one driving at the time. (Every policy is different, so ask your ERIE agent if this applies to you.)

Many people don’t think about these ‘what if’ scenarios before lending their car.

When you loan someone your car, you’re putting your name out there as a responsible party. You’ll be protected within the limits of your auto policy, but there’s always a chance of something happening that exceeds those limits.

For instance, if your friend or neighbor runs a stop sign and causes significant injuries and property damage, you could be responsible for paying any amounts owed above the limits on your policy. That means you could be sued for the driver’s negligent actions because they were using your vehicle. Liability in these situations varies by state, so check with your ERIE agent if you have specific questions.

And then there’s the question of what actually constitutes “permissive use.” For example, maybe your daughter goes off to college and lets her friend borrow a car that’s in your name – but you, as the named insured, didn’t give permission. Is her accident covered? The answer could vary based on case law in each state.

If you do have to file a claim, rest easy. Your ERIE agent can help you understand the ins and outs of your policy, and our award-winning claims service gives you prompt and personal attention to get back to normal.

So, here’s the moral of the story: Always make sure you understand your liability before loaning out a vehicle. And if you have any questions, your best course of action is to talk to your local ERIE agent. They’re your trusted insurance advisor and are always ready to help you get the coverage – and personal attention – you deserve.

Posted on 30 September 2026 | 5:00 pm

Understanding Auto Insurance Endorsements

What are auto endorsements?

Think of auto insurance endorsements as “added options” to your auto policy. Just like you can customize your vehicle, endorsements allow you to customize your coverage. Sometimes endorsements are as simple as an address or name change or when you want to add coverage to your current policy.

“An endorsement is also a good way to add extra coverage to your policy without having to purchase an entirely new one,” explains Bob Buckel, vice president of Auto Product at Erie Insurance. Your ERIE agent can walk you through your policy and let you know which endorsements you currently have on your policy and if there are any additional endorsements that make sense to add.

Here are a few popular choices.

4 Common Auto Insurance Endorsements

Relax, you're getting a rental: ERIE offers Transportation Expense coverage^[1] for customers who don’t have access to their vehicle for a particular time period due to a covered accident or other covered loss. Basic rental car coverage for a compact car due to a covered comprehensive coverage loss is automatically included in your auto policy in most states if you’ve purchased comprehensive coverage.

However, if you need a larger vehicle or Transportation Expense coverage for a collision loss, there are options to buy additional coverage (You can choose from six different classes of vehicle rentals, each with a corresponding premium rate).

You can also purchase ERIE’s Roadside & Rentals bundle, which has options to include Roadside Service coverage^[2] along with Transportation Expense coverage.

Secure your rate: With ERIE Rate Lock®, you can pay the same premium year after year. Even if you have a claim, your rates won’t change until you make certain changes to your auto insurance policy, such as adding or removing a vehicle or driver from your policy or changing your primary residence.^[3]
Poof: Gone! The ERIE Auto Plus® endorsement includes Diminishing Deductible and extends limits to the basic auto policy. For a few extra dollars a month, you can cover all of the vehicles listed on your policy with higher limits for many of our “Xtra Protection Features.” And for each consecutive claims-free policy year (beginning when this endorsement is added), the deductible amount will be reduced by $100 up to a maximum reduction of $500. It also includes a $10,000 death benefit.^[4]
True Blue Replacement: ERIE’s Auto Security coverage endorsement^[5] offers customers the opportunity to replace a totaled vehicle without worry of depreciation. If your new car is less than two years old and it gets totaled, ERIE will reimburse you the cost to replace it with a vehicle of the newest model year. And if your car is more than two years old, ERIE will pay the cost to replace it with another vehicle of the same model up to two years newer with similar mileage.

When it comes to your auto insurance, you’ve got a lot of choices. When you choose ERIE, you can feel confident about your coverage. Why? Because every policy comes with a local insurance agent to help you understand how your policy works, what it can help protect, and how to customize it based on your needs (and budget).

Learn more about auto insurance or find a local ERIE agent near you.